Human rights groups are calling for a day of global action today in protest at Russia's "anti-gay" laws, as the country prepares to host the Winter Olympics.

Australian snowboarder Belle Brockhoff and her teammate Heath Spence are among 50 past and present Olympians to sign a petition calling on Russia to end its crackdown on gay rights ahead of the Sochi games.

More than 405,000 people have already signed the petition, which states: "We stand with citizens across Russia who are calling on their government to stop the crackdown against lesbian, gay, bi and trans people that is fuelling anti-gay violence."

Ms Brockhoff, 21, the only openly gay member of the Australian team, has said she won't take part in organised protests during the games, but is keen to use the event to raise awareness of discrimination.

She added, of President Vladimir Putin: "After I compete, I'm willing to rip on his ass.

"I'm not happy and there's a bunch of other Olympians who are not happy either."

She is supporting a campaign by groups Athlete Ally and All Out called "Principle Six" - named after the sixth Fundamental Principle of the Olympic Charter, which bans discrimination of any kind.